�The London Obelisk�, Westminster, c 1878-1882.

UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 16: Autotype by Bierstadt of �Cleopatra�s Needle� on the Thames Embankment in London, from 'Egyptian Obelisks' by Henry H Gorringe, (New York, 1882). The obelisk was erected by Thutmose III at Heliopolis in about 1460 BC, later moved to Alexandria, and then to London. The obelisk was almost lost at sea during a storm and six sailors died. It is 21 metres high, weighs 186 tons, and is made of rose red granite of Syene. It was erected on the Embankment in 1878. A similar obelisk is to be found in New York�s Central Park. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)